The Studio Tools I Reach for Every Day
*this post contains affiliate links
People often ask what tools I use in my pottery studio.
They’re usually surprised by the answer.
There are no gadgets. No shortcuts. No complicated systems. The tools I rely on most are simple, inexpensive, and deeply familiar. They are tools that have been used for generations, because they work.
These are the quiet workhorses of my studio. The ones I reach for without thinking. The ones that help me finish work instead of fussing over it.
Buckets
The Most Important Tool in the Studio
If I had to choose only one tool, it would be a bucket.
Buckets hold water.
They hold slip.
They hold reclaim.
They hold tools mid-process.
They are always in use.
I keep several sizes on hand, and they live everywhere — under the wheel, near the wedging table, by the sink. A good bucket keeps the studio moving. It allows you to clean as you go, reclaim clay responsibly, and stay organized without thinking about it.
This is not glamorous, but it is essential.
Plastic and Metal Ribs
Quiet Shaping Tools That Matter
Ribs do the kind of work hands alone cannot.
Plastic ribs help me smooth, compress, and refine without removing too much clay. They’re forgiving and gentle, especially when working larger forms or softer clay.
Metal ribs are for precision. They scrape clean lines, compress walls, and bring clarity to a form. I reach for them when I want control and intention.
Neither is better than the other. They serve different purposes, and I use both daily.
Good ribs disappear in your hand. That’s how you know they’re right.
Sponges
Simple, Necessary, Always Nearby
Sponges are another tool that never leaves my side.
I use them to control moisture, clean rims, soften edges, and tidy up finished forms. A good sponge helps you slow down and pay attention. It teaches restraint.
I prefer simple natural sponges and basic synthetic ones — nothing fancy. They wear out. They get replaced. They do their job quietly and well.
A Wooden Rolling Pin
Old Fashioned and Indispensable
I use a wooden rolling pin constantly.
For slab work.
For flattening clay evenly.
For controlling thickness without fighting the material.
Wood has just enough resistance. It doesn’t chill the clay. It doesn’t stick when used properly. It feels familiar in the hands.
There is something grounding about using a tool that hasn’t changed much in a hundred years.
Small Buckets
Because Scale Matters
In addition to large buckets, I always keep several small ones nearby.
They hold glaze test batches.
They hold water for sponges.
They hold slip or underglaze while I’m working.
Small buckets keep me from overdoing things. They encourage working in manageable amounts. They keep the process intentional instead of excessive.
This is one of those small choices that makes a studio calmer.
Why I Prefer Simple Tools
These tools don’t promise perfection.
They don’t make decisions for me.
They don’t automate the work.
They don’t replace skill.
They support it.
I believe deeply in tools that help you finish work instead of endlessly adjusting it. Tools that let your hands learn. Tools that respect the process.
A finished pot made with simple tools will always be better than a perfect idea waiting on the right gadget.
Done is beautiful.
A Quiet Encouragement
If you’re building your studio, start here.
Choose tools that are sturdy.
Choose tools that feel good in your hands.
Choose tools you’ll reach for every day.
You don’t need much.
You just need tools that let you work — and let the work be finished.